Saudi Arabia has been announced as the host country for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The second Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA Wolrd Cup, after Qatar 2022, news of the win was revealed during an extraordinary online congress with FIFA’s 211 members present.

It was also confirmed that the 2030 World Cup was officially awarded to a joint bid from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. And to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, three special “centenary celebration matches” will be held in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay (one in each country) to kick off the tournament.

The appointment by acclamation of the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup™ concludes a thorough bidding process initiated in October 2023 following the unanimous proposal made by the FIFA Council and supported by all confederations, with a view to providing harmony and rotation between the confederations in relation to the hosting cycle for the tournament.

“In today’s divided world, where it seems that nobody can agree anymore on anything, to be able to agree on something like that is definitely an incredible message of unity and positivity. And, we need these messages today.” – Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.

HRH Prince @AbdulazizTF, Minister of Sport and Saudi Arabian Olympic & Paralympic Committees President, and SAFF President @Yalmisehal receive the FIFA World Cup 2034™️ hosting certificate from FIFA 🇸🇦🤝#WelcomeToSaudi34 #Saudi34 pic.twitter.com/6uS3hQeo1a

— Saudi Arabian Football Federation (@saudiff_en) December 11, 2024

Why did Saudi bid to host the World Cup?

Securing the 2034 World Cup was a crucial element of the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” economic reform plan, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Football in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not just a sport. It is a part of our life and a global game we share with everyone. It is a passion that burns deep within us and ignites our spirit. We have been inspired by the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia.” – His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Faisal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia Minister of Sport

Also read: FIFA fever to hit Qatar again: the good, the bad and the unexpected

When will it be held?

While no dates have been secured for the 2034 World Cup, the event will mostly likely take place in the cooler months, similar to the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar, when the event was held from late November to mid-December.

Who will be playing at the 2034 World Cup?

Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single host country.

“Coming back to a one-country host for a FIFA World Cup for the 104 games, will also be unique for all the fans who can travel very, very easily from one host city to the other in Saudi Arabia. A lot to look forward to. These are game-changers for the entire world and the most important (part) of it is that all these decisions on the hosts of the (FIFA) World Cup have been taken by consensus, by agreement, by compromise between everyone.” – Gianni Infantino.

Where will the matches be held?

The matches will be spread across 15 stadiums in five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom.

With 11 new stadiums being built and four being refurbished for the games, football fans can look forward to the following futuristic and almost gaming-like venues, including one that will be perched 350m above ground level.

Riyadh

King Salman International Stadium

The 92,000 capacity King Salman International Stadium, due to complete in 2029 will become Saudi’s official national stadium. The plan is for the opening and final matches of the 2034 World Cup to be hosted here.

King Fahd Sports City Stadium

To be refurbished by 2026, the 70,000+ capacity King Fahad Sports City Stadium, which is currently home of the Saudi Arabian national football team, will also be used for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium

Located in the broader Qiddiya development, the 46,000+ capacity Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium due to complete by 2029 will also contain an Olympic Museum, showcasing the Olympic and Paralympic legacies of the Kingdom.

The New Murabba Stadium

The 45,000+ capacity New Murabba Stadium due to complete in 2032 will integrate the latest sporting venue
technology, creating personalized fan experience zones.

ROSHN Stadium

Due to complete by 2032, the ROSHN Stadium will seat 45,000+ guests. Post the World Cup, the stadium will serve as a walkable community with green spaces, public squares and amenities.

Prince Faisal bin Fahed Sports City Stadium

The 45-000 capacity Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium is due to complete in 2027. After the World Cup games, the stadium will be home to a professional football club and used to host major matches.

South Riyadh Stadium

The 45,000+ capacity South Riyadh Stadium due to complete in 2032 will be connected to the Wadi Namar and its future development as part of Green Riyadh Project.

King Saud University Stadium

The King Saud University Stadium will be refurbished to increase seating capacity from 27,000 to more than 46,000 by 2032; and will also be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

Jeddah

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

Planned refurbishments for the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium due to complete in 2032 will seat 57,000+ spectators and feature new technologies. The stadium will be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

Qiddiya Coast Stadium

Located on the Red Sea, the 45,000+ capacity Qiddiya Coast Stadium due to complete in 2032 is designed to reflect “the vibrant relationship between people and water, energy and matter,” according to the bid book.

Jeddah Central Development Stadium

Located in Jeddah’s Al Andalus area, the 45,000+ capacity Jeddah Central Development Stadium due to complete in 2027 will be surrounded by four integrated villages offering a host of amenities and experiences.

King Abdullah Economic City Stadium

THe 45,000+ capacity King Abdullah Economic City Stadium due to complete in 2032 will feature a precinct that emphasises on community spaces with expansive green areas.

Al Khobar

Aramco Stadium

Located in the north of Al Khobar, close to the Corniche, the 46,000+ capacity Aramco Stadium due to complete in 2026 will also be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

Abha

King Khalid University Stadium

The King Khalid University Stadium will be refurbished by 2032 to seat more than 45,000 spectators. According to the bid book, key improvements will include upgraded technological infrastructure and additional amenities to
accommodate more foot traffic.

Neom

NEOM Stadium

Perched 350m above ground, the outher-worldy 45,000+ capacity Neom Stadium due for completion in 2032 is set to be signature landmark of The Line.

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